Chrimbo Limbo: 10 things to do between Christmas and New Year

Lisa O'Keeffe

21 December 2017

Time to Read

4 minutes

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There are always those few days between Christmas and New Year where you’re never quite sure what day of the week it is, what you’re supposed to be doing or what routine ever felt like - something we’ve affectionately named Chrimbo Limbo.

And with sales shopping done, Christmas leftovers almost gone and still loads of time before the kids go back to school, we’ve got plenty of days out inspiration to help fill the void. From prolonging the festive feeling with some Christmas events, to donning your goggles and heading to a water park, here’s our guide to 10 things to do between Christmas and New Year in the UK.

Wild Place Project, Bristol

Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to Wild Place Project. Open every day, excluding Christmas Day, there’s half-price admission until 11th February, making it a great value family day out. Discover Madagascar and the lemurs living there, visit Wolf Wood or try the Barefoot Trail, with some fantastic walks and gardens to explore too.

Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester

With everything you need to build a great day out, Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester is only closed on Christmas Day, so there’s plenty of time for a visit this Chrimbo Limbo. From the factory tour and 4D cinema, to the creative workshop and city builder, it’s the ideal day out for kids and grown-ups alike!

Natural History Museum Ice Rink, London

Just because Christmas is technically over, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some festive family fun! The Natural History Museum Ice Rink is open until 7th January, so you’ll need to get your skates on to make the most of one of the capital’s most popular rinks. Plus, with the free-to-enter Natural History Museum right next door (closed 24-26 December), why not make a day of it? If London isn't your local, don't miss our guide to the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the UK, many of which are open into the new year.

Northumberlandia, Northumberland

Known as the ‘lady of the north’, Northumberlandia is a pretty unique piece of art, set within 46 acres of parkland. Wrap up warm and take the whole family for a walk, with four miles of footpaths taking you around, and through the impressive landform sculpture. Perfect for burning off some of those extra mince pies, it’s open from dawn til dusk from Wednesday 27th December (closed from 23rd - 26th).

The Rapids, Hampshire

Swap coats and scarves for your swimming cossie this winter, and head to The Rapids. Have fun braving the rapids, riding the flume and dodging the tipping bucket, before taking a pew on the bubble seats! The centre is only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so there’s plenty of time to see out 2017 with a splash!

Thinktank, Birmingham

If your brain needs a break from Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly Junior on repeat, then put your thinking caps on and head to ThinkTank Birmingham. Every Monday to Friday until 5th January, the brand new LEGO Education Innovation Studio is the perfect added extra to this museum visit. Speed build a flock of ducks, create a car of the future or build a giant tower, all from our favourite building bricks. Pick up a themed ticket from the box office on arrival, all included in ticket entry price.

Techniquest, Cardiff

It’s written in the stars that you should visit Techniquest this Chrimbo Limbo, with interactive exhibits and loads more to keep the mind-boggling. Running every day from 27th December until 8th January (excluding 1st January), Pawprints in the Winter Sky is our pick of the planetarium shows. Join Izzy on a tour of the winter sky to see which animals you can find amongst the stars, including a bull, lion, or even a dragon! Suitable for under 7s, it makes for a great family day out.

Formartines Visitor Centre, Aberdeenshire

Local favourite Formartines is well worth a visit, with so much to explore whatever the weather. Open from 27th - 31st December, and then from 3rd January, take the family on a stunning walk around the lake and into the forest, keeping an eye out for fairy dens and secret forts. There’s a fantastic outdoor play area for kids too, plus a great cafe and shop to grab a bite to eat. If you need even more persuading, then be sure to read Steph’s review of Formartines.

Partyman World of Play, various locations

Ready for a post-Christmas party? At Partyman World of Play, kids can enter the ultimate world of soft-play, complete with themed structures, huge slides and loads more! Perfect for burning off some extra energy, the kids can rule the roost while parents can enjoy a hot drink, and as it’s open from 27th December, there are plenty of chances to visit! Plan your day out now at Partyman World Lakeside, Basildon, Wembley, Stevenage or Oxford.

Paint a Pot Craft Studio, Leicestershire

The East Midlands is well known for its pottery heritage (don’t miss Penny’s review of her visit to World of Wedgwood!), and with the new year looming, why not make pottery painting your new skill? At Paint a Pot Craft Studio in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, choose which object to paint and then let your creative side run wild! With bowls, plates and much more, you can return a few days later to pick up your very own pottery piece! Open from 28th - 31st December, and then again from 4th January, what will you paint?